The Paris-based founder of Argot Studio, known for its 3D-printed minimalist pieces, on her adoptive city and favourite inspiration.
I love all things French design, but I’m Irish and I’m coming at it from a different perspective and upbringing, so the mix of the two ends up being what comes out when I make something.
My favourite part of designing is taking an idea and turning it into something physical that will exist in a space for years to come.
When shopping in Paris, download the Brocabrac app to find the local flea markets; they’re all around Paris every week and you can find real gems. Le Bon Marché’s home department is famed for its selections of classic design pieces, but for French finds online, check out The Oblist, who source from vintage and new designers.
Ogata in the Marais celebrates Japanese craftsmanship and transports you from the busy streets to calm with beautiful, simple design. You can have dinner there, but their afternoon tea ceremony is really special.
Female designers inspire me so much, particularly Charlotte Perriand, Gae Aulenti and Afra Bianchin. I could only dream of having a career like Eileen Gray.
The house we’re moving into is from the 1920s. I hope the end result will be a balance between the original Art Deco features mixed with a bright and airy decor that acts as a canvas to display our much-loved pieces we’ve collected, including an Eileen Gray Tube Lamp my husband gave me for my 30th birthday. I’m currently scouring eBay and flea markets to find original Art Deco fixtures for the house. I am very excited about a recent purchase of chunky steel bath taps.
Right now, I’m working on several custom pieces for our new house, including lighting, furniture and mirrors. Some of the pieces will be 3D printed, and some will be made in wood by my dad.
One of our recent Argot collections was inspired by Éric Rohmer’s films. He creates a certain ambience with his interiors and celebrates French brutalist architecture. As for music, recently, we have been playing The Row’s Spotify playlists non-stop in the studio.
For winter sun, we rent a little stone house in the Canaries for the volcanic landscape and to visit anything by the architect César Manrique. Inspiration closer to home is often found at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, which has the best temporary exhibitions.
This feature originally appeared in the autumn/winter 2024 issue of IMAGE Interiors. Have you thought about becoming a subscriber? Find out more, and sign up here.
Also Read
